The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock.
The Bucs did what they had to do in free agency getting the greatest quarterback of all time Tom Brady to come to Tampa signing Brady to a two year sixty million dollar contract.
The Bucs also re-signed two of the key defensive players Linebacker Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul to one year contracts.
The Bucs also inked free agent offensive linemen Joe Haeg for added depth on the offensive line.
Now the challenge is to supplement those free agent signings by drafting some key players that the Bucs can plug into some holes on the roster and will be able to contribute immediately.
In the first round with the 14th selection the Bucs will take an offensive linemen and we think that linemen that will be available at 14 will be Mekhi Becton of Louisville.
There are three elite offensive tackles in this draft in Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Willis Jr. , and Tristan Wirfs. All three could be gone by the time the Bucs make their selection.
Becton is a just a notch below the top three in overall talent, but Is still an above average linemen and could hold down the tackle position for years.
In the second round with the 45th pick, the Bucs will select running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire from LSU.
The Bucs need another back to compliment Ronald Jones and a back that can catch the ball out of the backfield. Edwards-Helaire fits the bill as he is the best pass catching back in the draft and something that the Bucs have lacked since they cut Charles Sims.
Now that the Bucs have the top two needs on the team taken care, it’s time to look at adding depth to the defensive line, wide receiver, defensive back and edge rusher.
In the third round with pick number 76, the Bucs will take defensive linemen Davon Hamilton from Ohio State.
Hamilton in his senior year had 28 tackles, (10.5 for loss), and six sacks. Hamilton will add depth to the Bucs defensive line which lost Beau Allen in free agency to New England.
In the fourth round with pick number 117, the Bucs will take another Ohio State product in wide receiver KJ Hill.
Hill caught 198 passes for 2,303 yards in his Buckeye career for 20 touchdowns.
Although Bruce Arians has expressed confidence in Scotty Miller and Justin Watson, Hill would be a nice third receiver to replace Breshad Perriman who signed with the New York Jets.
Hill has 4.45 speed in the 40 and would be a very good compliment to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
The Bucs have another pick in the fourth round at 139, and with this pick, the Bucs will take edge rusher Jonathan Greenard from Florida.
Greenard in one season at Florida knotched 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Greenard is versatile enough to play both outside linebacker and defensive end. Can also be used in coverage if needed.
With the loss of Carl Nassib, Greenard could come in and play a key role on this Bucs defense next season.
In round five with pick 162, the Bucs will add more depth to the offensive line by talking offensive tackle Alex Taylor from South Carolina State.
Taylor was one of the biggest players measured at the scouting combine measuring six foot eight and weighing 308 pounds.
Taylor initially transferred to South Carolina State focused on basketball, but switched to football and made 23 starts for the Bulldogs.
In the sixth round at 195, the Bucs take safety Geno Stone from Iowa.
Stone would add much needed depth to the defensive backfield and a much needed physical presence as he does not shy away from the big hit.
A quick recap:
Round one Mekhi Becton-offensive tackle-Louisville
Round two Clyde Edwards-Helaire-running back-LSU
Round three Davon Hamilton-defensive linemen-Ohio State
Round four KJ Hill-wide receiver-Ohio State
Round four Jonathan Greenard-edge rusher-Florida
Round five Alex Taylor-offensive tackle-South Carolina State
Round six Geno Stone-safety-Iowa
